KIDS FISHING DERBY

Yesterday the Recreation Department hosted their first fishing derby here in Allegany State Park. This derby was for kids aged 15 and under with over 150 children who registered to participate in this event. I was asked to help with the fishing tournament at one of the check in stations to report their captures (then release their fish due to this being a catch and release event).

Fishing from a canoe on Red House Lake.

I must have been a “jinks” to the kids because no one around my station was catching anything (except seaweed). I continued to hear from other stations about the pages, and pages of fish being reported to them. I just wanted one child to catch something for me, what’s going on?? I had been at the station for ~5 hours and Kevin covered for me so that I could go purchase my Chicken BBQ. I must have been gone about 15+ minutes while the station finally had their first fish record (ugg, missed it)! Then just as we were about to close the station down a young fisherman brought us two more fish! YEAH!! I was no longer a jinks!!

Although my station was a flop, their were so many other stations with kids reporting their captures continuously. This was such a successful event yesterday with some captures by kids that would make many adults proud to have caught. To be honest, they did such a wonderful job in catching fish that the recreation staff fell behind schedule in reporting who was getting which awards! I was very pleased to see so many donations by many national and local organizations. Hats off to them who helped make this event as spectacular as it was.

Common Ringlet and Halloween Pennant

I might not have been good luck for the kids but I sure had fun chasing a few dragonflies and butterflies around all afternoon. A family who has been attending my nature walks over the past 8 years (back when I use to do them) also helped pass the time by chatting and fishing around my station (thanks, thanks, thanks). I ended up at their campfire that evening and we shared many laughs. Aaaaaa, this was such a wonderful day!

@ marg – It was a very fun day and I only had one Monarch yesterday! Were these butterflies starting to move south?
@ Sherri – it sure was and so many kids were so excited with each catch whatever size it was!
@ Linda – I so agree with you in getting the kids out their fishing!
@ Pam – sure was and they just moved to the other side of the lake where everyone was catching them!
@ Barb – it sure was and yesterday would have been a great one to enjoy being lazy!
@ Tomek – already visited and great site ! I added you to my RSS feeds already!
@ Wang – thanks and I sure hope you two enjoy your fishing trip! Thanks for visiting!

Welcome!

Welcome to the mon@rch nature blog and I hope you join us in some of our nature adventures through the Allegany State Park area!

I am a naturalist, field biologist and nature photographer from the Western New York area. I have started exploring nature writing through this blog and it truly has been fun sharing my numerous adventures with everyone. Thanks to the many other authors that help me with my post and they will be sharing some of their nature explorations.

I have always had a latent interest in birds and photography and have been lucky enough to find time to explore these interests over the last few years. I am very thankful to the Cattaraugus County Bird Club for getting me started, sharing their wealth of knowledge and for their wonderful programs. And many thanks to Tom for letting me share some of my adventures and photos on the Monarch Nature Blog.